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Chances are, you’ve wandered into a Vinnies op shop at some point – perhaps to donate barely used pots and pans when you moved home, to hunt down a neon leotard and legwarmers for an '80s-themed party, or simply to snag a bargain. Thrifting is always a win-win: good for your wallet and great for the planet. And while you might already be scrolling Depop, Facebook Marketplace or eBay for second-hand finds, did you know that Vinnies has also entered the digital era?
Almost one year ago, St Vincent de Paul Society – better known as Vinnies – took its treasure trove of pre-loved goods online. The charity's e-commerce platform, Vinnies Finds, has more than 20,000 second-hand gems just waiting to be discovered. We’re talking vintage clothing, designer handbags and everyday basics all available to browse and buy 24/7 – no rack-rifling required.
Behind the scenes, it’s a well-oiled machine. Donations collected across Vinnies’ 200-plus stores in New South Wales are sent to a central hub in Sydney, where a team sorts, categorises and photographs each item before it goes live. With hundreds of items uploaded daily, you never know what you’ll find. We’re talking designer Aussie brands like Aje to Zimmermann to international ones like Coach and Chanel. They've even sold a Christian Dior 'constellation jacket' and a beige Burberry trench coat.
In its first year online, Vinnies diverted 53 tonnes of textile waste from landfill. It’s a reminder that shopping second-hand is one of the easiest ways to reduce your fashion footprint and be part of the circular economy. Being online allows Vinnies to reach more shoppers than ever before – and it's a win for you too: you can browse from the comfort of your couch.
More importantly, every online purchase makes a real-life difference. Vinnies has been around since 1854, supporting Australians who are doing it tough. Its network of more than 45,000 members and volunteers runs more than 200 programs nationwide, from homelessness services and domestic violence refuges to food assistance and financial aid. Funds raised through the online store go directly back into these programs. So those YSL slingbacks you just added to your cart at a fraction of the original price could help put food on someone’s table.
If you have items to donate, simply drop them off at your local Vinnies store – please make sure your donations are not dirty or damaged; if you wouldn’t give them to a friend, don’t give them to an op shop.
The next time you’re in the mood for a little retail therapy, skip the fast fashion scroll and shop at Vinnies Finds instead here.